Hawaii Health Systems Corporation- Kauai Region . . . . . 40

WE ARE Kaua`i’s comprehensive health care provider with island wide coverage.

4643 Waimea Canyon Dr., Waimea, HI 96796 (808) 338-9431

• 24/7 Emergency (ER) • Imaging / Radiology • Acute Care • Long Term Care • Rehabilitation • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Social Services • Kawaiola Pharmacy • Laboratory • Intensive Care Unit • Operating Room/ Surgical Services • Obstetrics and Nursery • Respiratory Therapy • Pediatrics • Critical Access Hospital 4800 Kawaihau Rd, Kapa`a, HI, 96746 (808) 822-4961

• 24/7 Emergency (ER) • Imaging / Radiology • Acute Care • Long Term Care • Rehabilitation • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Social Services • In-Patient Pharmacy • Laboratory • In-Patient Adult Behavioral Health • Critical Access Hospital

4643B Waimea Canyon Dr., Waimea, HI 96796

2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St., B-201 Kōloa, HI 96756 (Mauka end at The Shops at Kukui`ula) (808) 742-0999

4643B Waimea Canyon Drive Waimea, HI 96796 (808) 338-8311

4489 Papalina Road, Kalāheo, HI 96741 (808) 332-8523

2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St., B-201 Kōloa, HI 96756 (at the Shops at Kukui`ula) (808) 742-0999

4353 Waialo Road, `Ele`ele, HI 96705 Port Allen Marina (808) 335-0579

2469-C Puu Road, Kalāheo, HI 96741 (808) 378-4557

4800 Kawaihau Road, Kapa`a, HI 96746 (808) 823-4157 (808) 338-2450

FAMILY CAMPING TIPS

By Melani Gagon

Camping and hiking look a lot different for us now than before we had kids. Adding kids to the mix takes more work, but it makes for such good memories! If you are heading out this spring break, keep these tips in mind! 1Keep Expectations Real

Just like at home, some days are great, and some days are hard. It definitely isn’t always easy but managing our expectations and expecting the unexpected has helped with some of the stress that comes from adventuring with small children.

2Go with The Flow

We’ve learned to let go of what we think our camping trip or hike “should” look like and try to just go with the flow. If you have young toddlers and babies like we do and are thinking of taking them out exploring with you, I highly suggest doing it! Just remember to pack the snacks – and then more snacks!! You can never seem to have enough.

3Bring Home with You

When we are camping, I like to bring familiar items from home to help them settle at night when it’s time for bed. I don’t like to get crazy packing a ton of things, so one or two is enough for us. Plus, they love having a few of their toys to play with in the dirt. It’s way better than a backyard sandbox!

4Throw out Routines

I can’t stick to normal routines for bedtime and naps. When I

try to force them, it usually ends in tears for everyone. So, naps end up being at random times, and bedtime is usually later than it is at home. I’ve found that going with the flow of the day and letting them play adds to the experience for them and us. They usually sleep better and stay asleep through the night.

5Sing Songs, Play Games, and Point Out the Wildlife

Entertain them & engage them in their surroundings! Help them learn to appreciate what is around them, because little nature lovers turn into big nature lovers. Keeping hiking fun for them will help make them excited to go the next time because for them it really is a big adventure no matter where you are.

6A Trusty Backpack is a Must

We love having different options of kid carriers to go on hikes with our kids. Some days they want to walk on their own and pick up every rock and clump of dirt they see. Other days they want to be carried the whole way. And some days it’s a combination. Having options to comfortably carry them on hikes has been huge, so we can explore all the trails around us.

7Start Out with Short Hikes

Also remember to take breaks and play! It’s not how fast you can go or how many miles you can log, it’s more important that they have fun. Don’t worry about the destination. Try to make it a good experience for them. Even if that means stopping at every river to let them skim rocks in it. The random stops have been some of the most memorable on the trail. Even though our kids may not remember these moments outdoors, we always will. We love giving our kids as many opportunities as we can to run wild and let their imaginations be free. They won’t be this little for long, so we are making the most out of this season of life. So, bring your kids on your next adventure and have fun seeing some of your favorite places (or somewhere new) through their eyes.